The third-generation A3, available as a 3 or 5 door hatchback or a 4 door saloon (Only 5 door sportback is avaialble on the Scheme), has received its mid life facelift for the summer of 2016. Externally the changes are minimal, the grille’s been sharpened up slightly meaning the exterior now more closely resembles the latest A4. Xenon lights with LED daytime running lights are standard-fit now, although S line versions come with LED lights as standard. The key updates occur inside the car with all cars (SE, SE Technik, Sport and S-Line) benefiting from cruise control and a 7 inch folding MMI radio system with Android and Apple connectivity, sat-nav is standard on SE Technik models and above.

The A3 is an assured car, well manufactured and delightful to drive, the new interior equipment and external brush up make it an even more tempting proposition. Space is excellent for front occupants and even getting into the back of the three-door car isn’t too tricky, but legroom is still a little bit tight for taller adults. Boot space is par for this class of car with 365 litres with the rear seats in place or 1,100 litres with them folded, the main competitors offer 360 and 1,200 litres in the BMW 1 series or 380 and 1,270 litres in the Volkswagen Golf.

There are a collection of engines to choose from including the 1.5 TFSI, up to two of the four cylinders can be shut off when required in order to save fuel, it is also fast, 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds and economy is a claimed 57.6 mpg. The 1.6 litre diesel is slower but more frugal reaching 62 miles per hour in 10.5 seconds and economy is 70.6 miles per gallon as a six speed manual. All engines can be paired to 7 speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic gearbox which has no affect on performance or fuel economy. The excellent new 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol unit with 113bhp that can propel the A3 to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 128 mph with a claimed economy of 62.8 miles per gallon that weights only 88kg (half the weigh of a diesel engine) is a shrewd choice.

The 3 door hatchback and 4 door Saloon A3 are not available this quarter and the 5 door car has seen prices increased by up to a £1000. Automatic cars start at £1049 Advance Payment for the 1.0 litre petrol.